Explore the Unexplored 21

Zac Bentz has been enlisted to delve into the ever expanding HearJapan library and dig up the hidden gems every week. Zac is a writer and musician who has interviewed and reviewed hundreds of Japanese bands for several prominent sites and magazines over the years. You’re sure to find some great music, so pay attention!

alis del lotton ROY’ symphonica orchesto – NEW MORNING | [ Alternative ]

There may only be six songs on this min-album, but alis del lotton ROY’ symphonica orchesto manage to pack in more than enough great ideas in those 25 minutes. Each song also spans new genres, from fuzzy shoegaze rock to soft piano ballads to UK-tinged indie rock. Oh, and that’s another thing, expect both English and Japanese lyrics from front woman Momoko Yoshikawa. The end result is a bit like Cat Power crossed with Oasis. But there’s much more to alis del lotton ROY’ symphonica orchesto than that, so you’ll just have to check out all of NEW MORNING for yourself.

Marsh-mallow – Mingle-mangle Marsh | [ Vocal ]

Marsh-mallow is a group of women who all sing in a revolving chorus while playing a wide range of instruments, from various hand drums to accordion to piano and a lot of toys. While a bit experimental (living up to the album’s title), they actually manage to craft very elegant, almost dream-like songs that are both playful and infectious. At times they really play up the child-like, chirping side while at others they sing almost trancelike chants over subdued marimbas and vibraphones. No matter what they do, it’s otherworldly.

Aminchu Oyaji – Ii Ja Nai Ka Otoko Da | [ Anime ]

This is one for those of you looking for one of those uniquely Japanese phenomenon. This is the soundtrack to the kids TV show Aminchu, sung by a large group of men over cheesy instrumentation. A little folksy, a little rock, and all slightly bizarre.

Burn Cross – Burn Cross | [J-rock]

Burn Cross is the self-titled single from this brand new J-rock band. With earnest female vocals and a hard pop-rock edge, these songs would be right at home on any popular anime series.

For A Reason – Maps and Mazes | [Punk]

Maps and Mazes is the new full-length release from melodic pop-punk veterans For A Reason. The album never stops for breath, instead pummeling the listener with its super upbeat vibe from beginning to end.

Kimihiko Sato – Hitori Kara Futari e | [Folk]

Kimihiko Sato is a classic folk singer from the early 1970s. He recently went solo (for the second time) and released his own album of easy-going country fueled songs. Check out the newly released singles for a quick taste.

Mystic Floor – SHADOW OF A MOMENT | [House]

Mystic Floor’s SHADOW OF A MOMENT is first and foremost a dace album, but it able jumps between genres. At times down-tempo and r’n’b influenced, at other pounding acid trance, this one is sure to keep you moving.

Shigeri Kitsu – Japanese Voice | [ Minyo ]

For the more traditional minded, traditional folk singer Shigeri Kitsu brings the good with the self-explanatory Japanese Voice. Some of the songs are Shigeri Kitsu solo while others feature both traditional and much more modern instruments. The perfect palette cleanser.

speedometer. – sense of wander | [ Breakbeats ]

speedometer. crafts abstracts hip-hop landscapes out of burbling electro and smooth beats. While mostly instrumental, sense of wander also features guest vocalists E.G.G.MAN from SOUL SCREAM, KAORI TAKEDA from Tica and YUJI KATSUI from ROVO.

wash? – love me | [Indies]

If you are starved for the ‘90s era grunge rock sound, wash? are here to fill you up. Hell, they even have a song titled “In Seatle, It Kept Raining Today.” Doesn’t get much more to-the-point than that!